Spiced Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty grilled shrimp marinated in tequila and lime served on warm tortillas topped with fresh mango salsa for a vibrant taco experience. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, tequila, tablespoons lime juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: While the shrimp marinates, prepare the mango salsa by mixing 1 diced ripe mango, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, and 1 minced small jalapeño in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Assemble the tacos by placing grilled shrimp on each tortilla, topping with mango salsa, and serving with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Tequila-Lime Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa?

Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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